August 24th. Once again, the Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) at the pond east of River Road.

 

A Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) laying down a fresh layer of carton to expand the nest.

 

The usual two Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta); the one on the right trying to haul out of the water.

 

It took three tries before it made it.

 

 

 

August 25th. A far distant Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) at Raymond Brook Marsh.

 

 

 

August 26th. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) at Raymond Brook Marsh. The pink foreground is Swamp Smartweed (Polygonum ciccineum).

 

 

 

 

 

On the path from River Road to the Blackledge River Bridge. Knapweed (Centaurea sp.), Spined Assassin Bug (Sinea diadema), and its prey, a Leaf Beetle (Family Chrysomelidae).

 

 

 

Another Spined Assassin Bug (Sinea diadema).

 

At the pond east of River Road, the Bald-faced Hornet (Dolichovespula maculata) nest was covered by wasps, perhaps preparing for the coming thunderstorms? Also, the lower right section of the nest has been ripped open.

 

 

 

Probably a young Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), far across the pond.

 

August 27th. Bluecurls (Trichostema dichotomum).

 

 

 

 

 

An ichneumon parasitic wasp (Family Ichneumonidae, probably Coelichneumon sp.).

 

Yet another Spined Assassin Bug (Sinea diadema). Check out the spikes on the top of its head.

 

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) Mom and duckling at Cranberry Bog.

 

Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus) still blooming there.

 

A "domestic" large Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) in the garden plot area.

 

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodius) in the usual spot at the pond east of River Road.

 

 

 

 

 

Two Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta).

 

 

 

Two more Painted Turtles.

 

August 28th. A female Spotted Orbweaver (Neoscona sp.).

 

Her web is right in front of the Route 85 bulletin board.

 

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus).

 

 

 

 

 

East of Route 207, Chicory (Cichorium intybus) and a Sweat Bee (Family Halictidae, Agapostemon virescens).

 

Hedge Bindweed (Convolvulus sepium)...

 

...with a Bumble Bee (Family Bombidae).

 

 

 

 

 

Best guess is a small Digger Wasp (Family Crabronidae). They provision their nests with various insects as food for their young.

 

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) was at that pond.

 

 

 

 

 

Look at its massive webbed feet.

 

 

 

White Baneberry or Doll's Eyes (Actaea pachypoda). The fruits are poisonous.

 

 

 

Common Hops (Humulus lupulus) are growing over the boulder right by the trail gate at Route 207. Grape vines over the boulder too.